Cory, Colon Cancer & Chlorination

The best we could do to help is to pray for her. The former President will surely survive colon cancer. She survived more lethal “cancers” in the past: a bloody dictatorship, several coup d’ etats, threats from the right and the left, etc.

This former housewife is not new to the great battles of life. She had been fighting social cancers. This physical one is no big deal compared to the one she is presently engaged against: the Arroyo Administration.

The news humbles us all. Cancer, like death, is a great equalizer. Its victims are rich and poor, powerful and powerless, landed and landless, famous and infamous, hero and heel. Before the Big C, we could boast of nothing except our prayers that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, will again allow a miracle to happen.

We gratefully share in the great lessons of life - a gift of the Aquinos - to the nation: Ninoy’s martyrdom, Cory’s people power and the family’s unbending faith in a God of wisdom and love.

Cancer occurs when the cells divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide when the body needs more cells. When cells keep on dividing even if new cells are not needed, a tumor forms. This tissue could be benign or malignant.

Malignant tumors are cancers and its cells can invade and damage other tissues and organs and can break away to enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form new tumors in other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Cancer of the colon, also called colorectal cancer, forms in the inner wall of the large intestines. Benign tumors are called polyps and could be removed through colonoscopy. Colon cancers mostly developed from polyps, could damage other tissues and could metastasize.

Symptoms of colon cancer are fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating…

The risk factors of colon cancer include genetic background, family history, high fat intake, the presence of polyps and chronic ulcerative colitis.

Chlorine in drinking water also increases the risk of colon cancer. People drinking chlorinated water over long periods have a 38% increase in the risk of colorectal cancer.

Drinking chlorinated water also increased risk of bladder cancer (by 80%) and arteriosclerosis with its inevitable results, heart attack and stroke. Drinking tap water that is chlorinated is hazardous if not deadly to your health.

According to Dr. J.M. Price (Saginaw Hospital): “Chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern times. While it prevented epidemics of one disease, it was creating another. …After the start of chlorinating our drinking water… the present epidemic of heart trouble, cancer and senility began… Chlorine is an insidious poison.”

When chlorine reacts with other organic matters in water, a Disinfection By-Product (TBA) called THM or Trihalomethanes is produced. THM and chloroform, chlorine by-products, are carcinogenic.
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We could reduce THM and chloroform in our tap water used for drinking by aeration, storing water in refrigerator for 24 hours and using water treatment devices containing activated carbon.

Those above 40 years old should undergo digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing. If above 50, submit to screening tests, like flexible sigmoidoscopy, every three to five years. Consult your physician. Change your eating habits. Reduce fat intakes. Increase fiber (roughage). Sources of fat: meat, eggs, dairy products, salad dressings, oils used in cooking…

Fiber is the insoluble, non-digestible part of plant material present in fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals. They would get rid of potential carcinogens in the colon, and allow less time for a potential carcinogen to react with the intestinal lining.

(This column was written the first time the late former President Cory Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer)